Device and method to create nano-particle fluid nucleation sites in situ

ABSTRACT

A nozzle device and method for creating a fluid nucleation in situ, is disclosed. The nozzle has a housing having a hollow interior, an outer cylindrical wall, and inlet and an outlet, and a diffuser disposed in the cylindrical tube at a first end toward the inlet. The diffuser is configured to break bonds between adjoining fluid molecules and create a nucleation event. The nozzle further has a mesh framework disposed in the cylindrical tube and extending longitudinally within the tube in the nucleation zone, and is configured to manipulate the bonding and un-bonding of water molecules within a pressurized environment for the production of snow, clean water or both.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/570,676 entitled Water Molecule Manipulator, filed on Oct. 11, 2018which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and method to createcavitation of a fluid such as water molecules. More particularly, theinvention relates to a device or nozzle that is operable with existingpumps or snow guns to create nano-particle water nucleation sites insitu thereby removing damaging particles, optimizing pH, and/oroptimizing water molecule size depending upon a desired end use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water molecules by very their nature tend to attract towards each otherand create a bond or surface tension that bridges between the molecules,thereby reducing the total exposed surface area of the individual watermolecules when grouped together compared to being independent of eachother.

One method of breaking these bonds is through cavitation. Cavitation isdefined as is the formation of vapor cavities in a liquid, smallliquid-free zones, that are the consequence of forces acting upon theliquid. It usually occurs when a liquid is subjected to rapid changes ofpressure that cause the formation of cavities in the liquid where thepressure is relatively low.

Classically, cavitation was a phenomenon to be prevented because of thesignificant deleterious effects it has on equipment, and was thought ascourge because of the damage in causes to rotor blades and the like.Collapsing voids that implode near to a metal surface cause cyclicstress through repeated implosion. This results in surface fatigue ofthe metal causing a type of wear also called “cavitation”. The mostcommon examples of this kind of wear are to pump impellers, and bendswhere a sudden change in the direction of liquid occurs.

However, harnessed appropriately, cavitation can be used for cleaning ofwater and wastewater and can remove various particulates, metals,bacterium (e.g. cyanobacteria) green microalgae (e.g., Chlorellavulgaris), and viruses (Rotavirus) from water, while balancing pH.Swimming pool water, for example, may comprise bacteria, such as E.coli, shigella (which causes dysentery), campylobacter and salmonella.While the addition of chlorine can kill a majority of bacterium, harmfulmetals may build up in the water, two being iron and copper, each ofwhich are undesirable.

Further, cavitation can be used as part of sequence to manipulate howwater molecules are joined to isolate them on a molecular level, whereparticular water size can mean the massive differences in output andquality of output.

For example, in a snow cannon or a snow gun, each of which compriseelectric motor-driven fan type having a plurality of nozzles open to thecirculation of fan-driven air passing axially through the front end of acylindrical carrier for the fan and motor. Some compressed air may befed with the water to the nozzle to facilitate the formation of icecrystals along with the fan induced flow. They may also utilize a mixingchamber into which is fed compressed air and water under pressurethrough separate lines. The snow gun includes a snow making nozzle whichfunctions to convert water from a hose into droplets and to insure thatthe droplets are substantially frozen before they hit the ground. Themajority of snow gun designs utilize compressed air to both atomize awater stream and impress a high velocity to the water droplets so thatthey have enough time in the ambient air to freeze. Unfortunately,utilizing known designs, a significant amount of water is lost due toevaporation, and the quality of the snow is lacking.

Of note, snowmaking machines generally require between 3,000-4,000 cubicmeters of water per hectare of slope covered. Accordingly, snowmakingmachines use about 107 gallons of water per minute and a significantamount of water is not returned to the water table. Furthermore, ittakes approximately 3.5 to 4.3 kWh of energy to produce one cubic meterof snow, and thus, snow making accounts for approximately 50% of theaverage American ski resort's energy costs.

Furthermore, due to the materials the materials of the nozzles,calcification occurs on the nozzles, and when there can be thousands ofnozzles on one resort, they need to be cleaned weekly if not more.

What is needed is an intermediately device or nozzle that can beconnected to existing pumps or snow making devices that obviate theissues with past systems and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the forgoing and other aspects and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, the subject invention provides a nozzle forcreating a fluid nucleation in situ. In one embodiment, the nozzlecomprises a housing having a hollow interior, an outer cylindrical wall,and inlet and an outlet. The nozzle comprises a radially innercylindrical tube concentrically positioned inside the housing, defines afluid nucleation zone. The nozzle further comprises a diffuser disposedin the cylindrical tube at a first end towards the inlet. The diffuseris configured to break bonds between adjoining fluid molecules andcreate a nucleation event. The nozzle further comprises a mesh frameworkdisposed in the cylindrical tube, radially spaced from the diffuser, andextending longitudinally within the tube in the nucleation zone. Thenozzle further comprises an end plate having a predetermined amount ofperforations. The end plate is disposed in the cylindrical tube and isradially spaced from the mesh framework at or near the outlet.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method forcreating a fluid nucleation in situ, comprises the steps of: (a)connecting a nozzle to a fluid source, wherein the nozzle comprises adiffuser, a mesh framework and an end plate, (b) breaking bonds betweenadjoining fluid molecules and creating a nucleation event by thediffuser, (c) increasing pressure on the fluid molecules at a pluralityof orifices of diffuser to create a heat signature, wherein the heatsignature is configured to cleanse the fluid of foreign matter, (d)creating partial fusion process by the mesh framework to enableun-bonded fluid molecules come back together in close proximity, (e)freezing the un-bonded fluid molecules to provide nano-clusters of fluidmolecules, and (f) attaching a snow gun to an outlet of the nozzle todischarge snow particles.

An object of the present invention is to provide an intermediary devicethat is positioned within the flow of water and functions by thepressure created from a pump or other device to increase the pressure ofwater flow through a confined space such as a hose or pipe.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fission processthat breaks the surface tension and bond between adjoining fluidmolecules. Another object of the present invention is to create a heatsignature that forces the water molecules apart in a hydrophobicenvironment burning off any foreign matter and particulates, therebycleansing the fluid molecule.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mesh frameworkthat that creates a partial fusion process in which the un-bonded fluidmolecules come back together in close proximity while balancing pH dueto the frameworks metal makeup.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device with anability to manipulate the bonding and un-bonding of water moleculeswithin a pressurized.

Another object of the present invention is to achieve multiple resultsand outcomes by varying the number of holes or orifices that enhance theability to utilize a collective source of fluid or water molecules in avariety of applications.

Another object of the present invention is to provide water free ofbacteria, algae, and other foreign matter and contaminants whilemaintaining a balanced pH level, such as use with a swimming pool.

Another object of the present invention is to provide optimized watermolecule non-clusters for snow making at ski resorts.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent calcificationaround nozzle heads of snow guns. The treated water reduces molecularwater groups to the minimum size, increasing the molecular group surfacearea by as much as seventy percent. The greater the surface area, themore rapid freezing will take place, which yields a denser snowparticle. This provides significantly enhanced snow quality, andimproved grooming expense, uses less water and provides better energyoutput.

Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present invention willbecome more apparent and be more readily understood from the followingdetailed description, which should be read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a cut-away view of a device for creatinga fluid nucleation in situ, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2A exemplarily illustrates a side view of a diffuser in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B exemplarily illustrates a rear view of the diffuser in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A exemplarily illustrates a side view of an orifice in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B exemplarily illustrates a front view of the diffuser in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of an end platein an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B exemplarily illustrates a front view of the end plate inembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates the device attached to a snow gun in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method for creating afluid nucleation in situ in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detaileddescription and examples set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to theexamples. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these examples isfor explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled inthe art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention,recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, dependingupon the needs of the particular application, to implement thefunctionality of any given detail described herein, beyond theparticular implementation choices in the following embodiments describedand shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations ofthe invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit withinthe scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read asplural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, whereappropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply thatthe two are mutually exclusive

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturingtechniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be notedthat as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is areference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof knownto those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a referenceto “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or meansand may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions usedare to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, theword “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical“or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the contextclearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to beunderstood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.Language that may be construed to express approximation should be sounderstood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods,techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods,techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein may be used in the practice or testing of the presentinvention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a nozzle or device 100 that is operable withexisting pumps or snow guns to create nano-particle water nucleationsites in situ is disclosed. The device may also be connected to a pumpto clean and pH balance water, including but not limited to swimmingpool water. The device 100 comprises a housing 102, a cylindrical tube112, a diffuser 114, a mesh framework 118 and an end plate 120. Thehousing 102 comprises a hollow interior 104, an outer cylindrical wall106, an inlet 108 and an outlet 110.

The housing 102 may be formed of metals, metal alloys, or ceramics.However, optional embodiments, any material with a hardness that willstand up to the effects of cavitation may be use.

In one embodiment, the radially inner cylindrical tube 112 isconcentrically positioned inside the housing 102. The inner cylindricaltube 112 defines a fluid nucleation or cavitation zone. In oneembodiment, the diffuser 114 disposed in the cylindrical tube 112 at afirst end toward the inlet 108. The diffuser 114 comprises a pluralityof orifices 116, which may be sized according to end use. The diffuseris configured to break apart the water molecule clusters and providenano-particles. In one embodiment, the mesh framework 118 is disposed inthe cylindrical tube 112, and is radially spaced from the diffuser 114.The mesh framework extends longitudinally within the tube 112 in thenucleation zone. In some embodiments, the mesh framework 118 could beheld or retained by a series of baffles, disposed between diffuser 114and end plate 120 in the hollow interior 104 of the cylindrical tube112. In some embodiments, the mesh framework 118 could be held orretained by a pair of baffles at the top portion and a pair of bafflesat the bottom portion of the hollow interior 104 of the cylindrical tube112 therein.

The mesh framework 118 may be formed of copper together with othermetals, and is formed as a fibrous network akin to that of what a steelwool looks like. The copper has a pH balancing effect on the fluid whilethe other stronger metals it may be used with provides enhancedstrength. The mesh framework 118 is configured to suspend the watermolecules that have been fissured by the diffuser.

In one embodiment, the end plate 120 is disposed in the cylindrical tube112, and comprises a predetermined amount of perforations 122. In oneembodiment, the end plate 120 is radially spaced from the mesh framework118 at or near the outlet 110. In one embodiment, the inner cylindricaltube 112 comprises a first reduced diameter throat at the inlet 108, anda second reduced diameter throat at the outlet 110. The first reduceddiameter throat and a second reduced diameter throat are integrallyconnected to the cylindrical tube 112 via a chamfer of approximately 45degrees.

In another embodiment, the inner cylindrical tube 112 further comprisesa first connection member 130 at the inlet 108, wherein the firstconnection member 130 comprises a chamfer of approximately 45 degrees.In another embodiment, the first connection member 130 comprises athreaded tubular configured to connect to a fluid source. In yet anotherembodiment, the inner cylindrical tube 112 further comprises a secondconnection member 132 at the outlet 110. In one embodiment, the secondconnection member 132 comprises a threaded tubular, which is configuredto connect to a snow gun 124 (shown in FIG. 5). In this way, the deviceis connectable to a pump at the inlet, and a snow gun on the outlet. Or,in optional embodiments, it is connectable to a pump one end a feedbackloop on the other to clean and pH balance water, such as swimming poolwater.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the diffuser 114 is 1 inch in height, which isrepresented as “A”. Referring to FIG. 2B, the diffuser 114 is 3 or 4inch in diameter, which is represented as “B”. In some embodiment, thediffuser 114 is made of a single piece of stainless steel. The diffuser114 comprises plurality of orifices 116 in concentric openingconfiguration. The diffuser 114 may be formed of steel, alloy and thelike.

FIG. 3A exemplarily illustrates a side view of an orifice 116 of thediffuser 114 in an embodiment of the present invention. In oneembodiment, the orifice 116 of the diffuser 114 is 1 inch in width,which is represented as “E”. In another embodiment, the orifices 116 areconcentric opening having diameter of 0.1562 inches inch and a depth of0.5 inches. In yet another embodiment, the orifice 116 of the diffuser114 comprises an entry dimension of 5/32 inch (“F”) in diameter with anapproximately 45-degree (“C”) chamfer and ½ inch in depth from the entryor input side of the orifices 116. Additionally, the orifice 116 of thediffuser 114 comprises an output dimension of 7/32 inch (“I”) indiameter and ½ inch (“D”) in depth from the exit or output side of theorifice 116. Referring to FIG. 3B, the output dimension of the orifices116 of the diffuser 114 is illustrated.

FIG. 4A exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the end plate120 in an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, theend plate 120 is ⅛ inches in width. In one embodiment, the end plate 120is 3 inches or 4 inches in diameter. The end plate 120 comprisesplurality of holes or perforations 122 in concentric openingconfiguration. The end plate 120 is configured to hold the metal mesh inplace and further, 105 that enhance the ability to utilize a collectivesource of water molecules for a variety of applications.

FIG. 4B exemplarily illustrates a front view of the end plate 120 inembodiment of the present invention. The end plate 120 is configured toretain the mesh framework 118 within the device 100. In one embodiment,the end plate 120 comprises a combination of holes or perforations 122having a diameter of 0.25 inches aligned in a concentric circle.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the working of the nozzle 100 isdisclosed. The nozzle 100 is connected to a fluid source at an inlet108, wherein the nozzle 100 comprises a diffuser 114, a mesh framework118 and an end plate 120. The diffuser 114 is configured to break bondsbetween adjoining fluid molecules and create a nucleation event. Then,the orifices 116 of the diffuser 114 are configured to increase apressure on the fluid to create a heat signature, and the heat signatureis configured to cleanse the fluid of foreign matter including but notlimited to bacteria, metals, and viruses. The separated molecules areconfigured to pass through the mesh framework 118 that causes the watermolecules to remain in a suspended state and balance the pH of thefluid. The end plate with its orifices or holes then allows the fluid toexit the device 100. In one embodiment, the mesh framework 118 is ametal alloy mesh. In some embodiments, the mesh network 118 is acombination copper/metal mesh network. In another embodiment, the meshframework 118 comprises perforations 122 with gauges of approximately5/32 inches to 7/32 inches, though could be larger or smaller dependingupon application. The metal alloy mesh 118 is configured to create apartial fusion process in which the water molecules come back togetherin close proximity but un-bonded. Then, the mesh network 118 isconfigured to create single molecule water particle, which instantlyfreeze providing nano-clusters of snow particles 126 and the outlet 110is configured to attach to a snow gun 124, as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method 600 for creatinga fluid nucleation in situ using a nozzle or device 100 (shown in FIGS.1-5) in an embodiment of the present invention. At step 602, the nozzle100 is connected to a fluid source at an inlet 108, wherein the nozzle100 comprises a diffuser 114, a mesh framework 118 and an end plate 120.At step 604, the diffuser 114 is configured to break bonds betweenadjoining fluid molecules and creating a nucleation event. At step 606,the pressure on the fluid molecules is increased at the plurality oforifices 116 of diffuser 114 to create a heat signature, wherein theheat signature is configured to cleanse the fluid of foreign matter. Atstep 608, the mesh framework 118 is configured to creat partial fusionprocess to enable un-bonded fluid molecules come back together in closeproximity. At step 610, the un-bonded fluid molecules are frozen toprovide nano-clusters of fluid molecules. At step 612, optionally, thesnow gun 124 is attached to an outlet 110 of the nozzle 100 to dischargesnow particles 126.

Advantageously, the present invention provides an intermediary device ornozzle 100 that is positioned within the flow of water and functions bythe pressure created from a pump or other device to increase thepressure of water flow through a confined space such as a hose or pipe.The present invention further provides a fission process that breaks thesurface tension and bond between adjoining fluid molecules. The presentinvention further creates a heat signature that forces the watermolecules apart in a hydrophobic environment, and burns off any foreignmatter, thereby cleansing the fluid molecule. The present inventionfurther provides a mesh framework 118 that creates a partial fusionprocess in which the un-bonded fluid molecules come back together inclose proximity. The device 100 is provided with an ability tomanipulate the bonding and un-bonding of water molecules within apressurized environment.

Further, multiple results and outcomes could be achieved by varying thenumber of holes 122 or orifices 116 that enhance the ability to utilizea collective source of fluid or water molecules in a variety ofapplications. The device 100 further provides water free of bacteria,algae, and other foreign matter and contaminants while maintaining abalanced pH level, for example, the device 100 could be incorporated ina swimming pool. In another application, the device 100 could provide alarger water crystal or snow particles when the individual watermolecule is exposed to freezing temperatures.

While the present invention has been described in connection with whatare presently considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention is notlimited to these herein disclosed embodiments. Rather, the presentinvention is intended to cover all of the various modifications andequivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention maybe shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenienceonly. In accordance with the principles of the invention, the feature(s)of one drawing may be combined with any or all of the features in any ofthe other drawings. The words “including”, “comprising”, “having”, and“with” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensivelyand are not limited to any physical interconnection. Moreover, anyembodiments disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as the onlypossible embodiments. Rather, modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A nozzle for creating a fluid nucleation in situ, thenozzle comprising: a housing having a hollow interior, an outercylindrical wall, an inlet and an outlet; a radially inner cylindricaltube defined by the housing and concentrically positioned inside of thehousing, wherein the inner cylindrical tube defines a fluid nucleationzone; a diffuser disposed in the cylindrical tube at a first end towardthe inlet, the diffuser configured to break bonds between adjoiningfluid molecules and create a nucleation event; a mesh framework disposedin the cylindrical tube the mesh frame worked being radially spaced fromthe diffuser, and extending longitudinally within the tube in thenucleation zone; and an end plate having a predetermined amount ofperforations therein, the end plate being disposed in the cylindricaltube and further being radially spaced from the mesh framework at ornear the outlet.
 2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the inner cylindricaltube comprises a first reduced diameter throat at the inlet, and asecond reduced diameter throat at the outlet and wherein a chamfer isapproximately 45 degrees
 3. The nozzle of claim 1, further comprising afirst connection member at the inlet configured for connection to afluid source, wherein the connecting member comprises a threaded tubularand wherein a chamfer is approximately 45 degrees.
 4. The nozzle ofclaim 1, further comprising a second connection member at the outletconfigured for connection to a snow gun, wherein the connecting membercomprises a threaded tubular.
 5. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein thediffuser comprises a plurality of orifices thereon, wherein the orificesare configured to increase a pressure on the fluid to create a heatsignature, wherein the heat signature is configured to cleanse the fluidof foreign matter.
 6. The nozzle of claim 5, wherein the orifices areconcentric opening having diameter of 0.1562 inches inch and a depth of0.5 inches.
 7. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the fluid is watermolecules, and the mesh framework comprises a metal alloy meshconfigured to create a partial fusion process in which the watermolecules come back together in close proximity but un-bonded, puts thewater molecules in a suspended state, or both.
 8. The nozzle of claim 7,wherein the mesh framework comprises perforations with gauges ofapproximately 0.156 inches to 0.218 inches.
 9. The nozzle of claim 1,wherein the end plate is configured to retain the mesh framework, and isapproximately 3.5 inches in diameter, 0.125 inches wide, and comprises acombination of holes having a diameter of 0.25 inches aligned in aconcentric circle.
 10. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the fluid iswater, the inlet is configured to attached to a pump, and the diffuserand mesh network are configured to create single molecule water particlewhich instantly freeze providing nano-clusters and the outlet isconfigured to attach to the snow gun.
 11. A method for creating a fluidnucleation in situ, comprising the steps of: connecting a nozzle to afluid source, wherein the nozzle comprises a diffuser, a mesh frameworkand an end plate; breaking bonds between adjoining fluid molecules andcreating a nucleation event by the diffuser; increasing pressure on thefluid molecules at a plurality of orifices of diffuser to create a heatsignature, wherein the heat signature is configured to cleanse the fluidof foreign matter; and creating partial fusion process by the meshframework to enable un-bonded fluid molecules come back together inclose proximity.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising freezingthe un-bonded fluid molecules to provide nano-clusters of fluidmolecules, and attaching a snow gun to an outlet of the nozzle todischarge snow particles.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the nozzlecomprises a housing having a hollow interior, an outer cylindrical wall,and inlet and an outlet.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the nozzlefurther comprises a radially inner cylindrical tube concentricallypositioned inside the housing, wherein the inner cylindrical tubedefines a fluid nucleation zone.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein thediffuser is disposed in the cylindrical tube at a first end toward theinlet and the mesh framework disposed in the cylindrical tube the meshframe worked being radially spaced from the diffuser, and extendinglongitudinally within the tube in the nucleation zone.
 16. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the end plate is configured to retain the meshframework inside the nozzle, wherein the end plate comprises apredetermined amount of perforations therein.
 17. The method of claim11, further comprising attaching a pump at the inlet and a feedback loopat the outlet to clean pool water.